Composition for external use

ABSTRACT

A compositions for external use comprising succinoglucan and a water-swelling clay mineral, which is useful particularly as cosmetics. The composition can give a novel feeling upon use which satisfies the diversified requirements by consumers and is excellent in long-term stability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention falls within the category of the technical fieldrelating to a composition for external uses. More particularly, itrelates to a composition for external use which is excellent in thefeeling upon use, has a long-term stability, and is useful particularlyas cosmetics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, people, in particular, young people have apreference for cosmetics which make the skin moist and soft and impart arefreshing feeling upon use. This tendency affects not only skin-careproducts but body-care products and makeup products.

[0003] To achieve the above-described feeling upon use, these productsgenerally contain carboxyvinyl polymer as a thickener and stabilizer.However, in the case of products containing compounds which are liableto ionize (for example, ascorbic acid, magnesium phosphate, argininehydrochloride) or makeup products containing pigments, the thickeningeffect of carboxyvinyl polymer is seriously inhibited by the ionizablecompounds or the pigments. As a result, there arise some problems suchas a decrease in viscosity, separation or sedimentation during storage,which makes these products disadvantageous in the long-term stability.

[0004] To solve these problems, thickeners such as xanthan gum andhydroxyethylcellulose are employed in some cases. Although asatisfactory long-term stability can be achieved by using thesethickeners, there arises another problem of a slimy or sticky feel.

[0005] Under these circumstances, the existing products are not muchdifferent from each other in the feeling upon use and in the form and,therefore, not always satisfy the diversified requirements by consumers.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide acomposition for external use (e.g., cosmetics, etc.) which can impart anovel feeling upon use to thereby satisfy the diversified requirementsby consumers and has a good long-term stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To solve the above-described problems, the present inventors haveconducted extensive studies. As a result, they have successfully foundthat a composition for external use being useful, in particular, as acosmetic which exhibits a novel feeling upon use (imparting a moistfeel, being highly compatible with the skin, giving a extremelyrefreshing feel, etc.) different from the existing cosmetics and remainsstable over a long time without suffering from a decrease in theviscosity, separation or sedimentation can be obtained by usingsuccinoglucan and a water-swelling clay mineral as a substitute forcarboxyvinyl polymer for thickening and stabilization, therebycompleting the present invention.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a composition forexternal use comprising succinoglucan and a water-swelling clay mineral.

[0009] A composition for external use exhibiting a further preferablefeeling upon use can be obtained by further adding an oily component tothe above-described composition. Moreover, the desired effects of thepresent invention can be effectively achieved by adding a surfactant, analkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer to the composition, in particular,that comprising an oily component.

[0010] The present invention will be further described below.

[0011] The composition for external use according to the presentinvention (hereinafter, simply referred to as “the composition of thepresent invention”) comprises succinoglucan and a water-swelling claymineral.

[0012] The succinoglucan to be used in the composition of the presentinvention is a polysaccharide originating in a microorganism. Namely, itmeans a polysaccharide originating in a microorganism which comprisessaccharide units derived from galactose and glucose together with acidunits derived from succinic acid, pyruvic acid and, as an optionalcomponent, acetic acid, or salts of these acids.

[0013] More particularly, succinoglucan is a water-soluble polymerconsisting of galactose unit, glucose unit, succinic acid unit andpyruvic acid unit (molar ratio:1:7:0.8:1) optionally together withacetic acid unit, having a weight average molecular weight of preferablyabout 6,000,000 or more (more preferably from about 6,000,000 to about15,000,000), which is represented by the following structural formula.

[0014] In the above formula, each Gluc represents a glucose unit whileeach Galac represents a galactose unit. The bonding manner betweensaccharide units are designated in parentheses. For example, (β1,4)stands for a β1-4 bond.

[0015] Examples of the microorganism from which the succinoglucanoriginates include those belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Rhizobium,Alcaligenes and Agrobacterium. Among all, Agrobacterium tumefaciensI-736, which has been deposited with Collection Nationale de Cultures deMicroorganism (CNCM) on Mar. 1, 1988 under Budapest treaty and ispublicly available under the accession number I-736, belonging to thegenus Agrobacterium is particularly preferable.

[0016] Succinoglucan can be produced by culturing such a microorganismin a medium.

[0017] More particularly, succinoglucan can be produced by culturing themicroorganism in a medium containing, in general, a carbon source (e.g.,glucose, sucrose, starch hydrolyzate, etc.), an organic nitrogen source(e.g., casein, caseinate, vegetable powder, yeast extract, corn steepliquor (CSL), etc.) and inorganic salts (e.g., metal sulfate, metalphosphate, metal carbonate, etc.), optionally together with traceelements.

[0018] It is generally preferable to culture the microorganism under apressure of 1 to 4 bar at a temperature of 25 to 35° C. under aerobicconditions, for example, with agitation. The pH value of the mediumranges from 5 to 9, preferably from 6 to 8.

[0019] After the completion of the culture, the medium may be heated andthen brought into contact continuously with an organic solvent such asisopropyl alcohol to precipitate succinoglucan. In order to isolate thesuccinoglucan from the culture medium, it is preferable to collect thesuccinoglucan by filtration followed by centrifugation and drying underelevated pressure to give the succinoglucan usable in the composition ofthe present invention.

[0020] Needless to say, the succinoglucan thus produced can be employedas such in the composition of the present invention. Alternatively, itmay be further degraded, if necessary, by acid degradation, alkalidegradation, enzymatic degradation, ultrasonication, etc. and thedegradation product thus obtained may be employed in the composition ofthe present invention.

[0021] The succinoglucan content in the composition of the presentinvention preferably ranges from 0.01 to 15.0% by weight based on thetotal weight of the composition. When the succinoglucan content fallswithin a range of 0.1 to 10.0% by weight based on the total weight ofthe composition, in particular, the composition of the present inventionis in the form of a gel showing a further improved long-term stability.

[0022] The succinoglucan content less than 0.01% by weight based on thetotal weight of the composition is not preferable, because thecomposition has only a poor long-term stability in this case. It is notpreferable too that the content thereof exceeds 15.0% by weight, sincethe composition becomes sticky and gives an unfavorable feeling upon usein this case.

[0023] The water-swelling clay mineral to be used in the composition ofthe present invention is not particularly restricted, so long as it is aclay mineral capable of swelling in water. Either a natural one or asynthetic one having an arbitrary composition is usable therefor.

[0024] Examples of the water-swelling clay mineral include smectitessuch as montmorillonite, saponite, hectorite, beidellite, nontronite,sauconite and stevensite; and swelling micas.

[0025] The composition of the present invention may comprise either oneof these water-swelling clay minerals or a combination of two or more ofthe same.

[0026] The water-swelling clay mineral content in the composition of thepresent invention preferably ranges from 0.01 to 15.0% by weight basedon the total weight of the composition, still preferably from 0.1 to10.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. When thecontent of the water-swelling clay mineral is less than 0.01% by weightbased on the total weight of the composition, the obtained compositionshows only a poor long-term stability. The content of the water-swellingclay mineral exceeding 15.0% by weight is not preferable, because thecomposition having the characteristics according to the presentinvention can be hardly obtained.

[0027] The composition of the present invention may further comporisescosmetically and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents,excipients, etc.

[0028] In addition to the succinoglucan and the water-swelling claymineral, it is preferable that the composition of the present inventioncomprises an oily component. Addition of the oily component imparts tothe composition a very excellent spreadability on the skin, muchimproved moist feel, etc., thereby giving a product having a morefavorable feeling upon use as, in particular, cosmetics.

[0029] The oily component to be used in the composition of the presentinvention is not particularly restricted, so long as it is usable incompositions for external use such as cosmetics. Either a liquidcomponent or a solid one may be used therefor. Examples of the oilycomponent include liquid oils such as avocado oil, camellia oil, turtleoil, macadamia nut oil, corn oil, mink oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil,yolk oil, sesame oil, persic oil, wheat germ oil, sasanqua oil, castoroil, linseed oil, safflower oil, cotton seed oil, perilla oil, soybeanoil, peanut oil, tea seed oil, torreya oil, rice bran oil, Chinese tungoil, Japanese tung oil, jojoba oil, germ oil, glyceryl trioctanoate,glyceryl triisopalmitate, cetyl isooctanoate, isopropyl myristate,liquid paraffin, squalane, isoparaffin, methyl silicone, methylphenylsilicone, oleyl alcohol and 2-octyldodecanol; and solid fats and waxessuch as cacao fat, coconut oil, equine tallow, hardened coconut oil,palm oil, beef tallow, sheep tallow, hardened beef tallow, palm kerneloil, lard, beef bone fat, Japan wax kernel oil, hardened oil, beef foottallow, Japan wax, hardened castor oil, beeswax, candelilla wax, cottonwax, carnauba wax, bayberry wax, insect wax, spermaceti, montan wax,rice bran wax, lanolin, kapok oil, lanolin acetate, liquid lanolin,sugar corn wax, isopropyl lanolin fatty acid, hexyl laurate, reducedlanolin, jojoba wax, hard lanolin, shellac wax, cholesterol,phytosterol, microcrystalline wax, behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol,cetyl alcohol, behenic acid, stearic acid and myristic acid.

[0030] The composition of the present invention may comprise either oneof these oily components or a combination of two or more of the same.

[0031] The oily component content in the composition of the presentinvention preferably ranges from 0.1 to 40.0% by weight based on thetotal weight of the composition, still preferably from 0.3 to 30.0% byweight based on the total weight of the composition. It is unfavorablethat the content of the oily component is less than 0.1% by weight basedon the total weight of the composition, since the spreadability of thecomposition on the skin cannot be improved in this case. It is alsounfavorable that the content thereof exceeds 40.0% by weight, since thecomposition exhibits a poor feeling upon use due to the deterioration inthe refreshing feel in this case.

[0032] It is preferable that the composition of the present inventionfurther comprises a surfactant. Addition of the surfactant can furtherimprove the long-term stability of the composition of the presentinvention. When the composition of the present invention comprises anoily component, the long-term stability thereof may sometimes bedeteriorated. In such a case, it is preferable to add a surfactant tothe composition of the present invention so as to achieve a highlong-term stability.

[0033] The surfactant to be used in the composition of the presentinvention is not particularly restricted, so long as it is a surfactantusable in compositions for external use such as cosmetics. Eithernonionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactants may be employed.Examples thereof include sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerol orpolyglycerol fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters,polyoxyethylene (hereinafter referred to simply as POE) sorbitan fattyacid esters, POE sorbitol fatty acid esters, POE glycerol fatty acidesters, POE fatty acid esters, POE alkyl ethers, POE alkylphenyl ethers,POE/polyoxypropylene (hereinafter referred to simply as POP) alkylethers, POE castor oil or hardened castor oil derivatives, POE beeswaxlanolin derivatives, alkanolamides, POE propylene glycol fatty acidesters, POE alkylamines, POE fatty acid amides, sucrose fatty acidesters, polyether-denatured silicone, fatty acid soaps, higher alkylsulfate salts, alkyl ether sulfate salts, N-acylsarcosinate, higherfatty acid amidosulfonates, phosphate salts, sulfosuccinates,alkylbenzenesulfonates, N-acylglutamates, alkyltrimethylammonium salts,dialkyldimethylammonium salts, imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactantsand betaine-type surfactants.

[0034] The composition of the present invention may comprise one ofthese surfactants or a combination of two or more of the same.

[0035] The content of the surfactant in the composition of the presentinvention may be appropriately determined so as not to deteriorate thefeeling upon use and the safety of the product. It is preferable thatthe content thereof ranges from 0.01% to 5.0% by weight based on thetotal weight of the composition, still preferably from 0.05 to 2.0% byweight based on the total weight of the composition. It is notpreferable that the content of the surfactant is less than 0.01% byweight based on the total weight of the composition, since the effect ofimproving the long-term stability cannot be satisfactorily achieved inthis case. It is also unfavorable that the content thereof exceeds 5.0%by weight, since the feel of the composition in using is deteriorated inthis case.

[0036] It is preferable that the composition of the present inventionfurther comprises an alkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer. Addition ofthe alkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer can further improve thelong-term stability of the composition. When the composition of thepresent invention comprises an oily component, the long-term stabilitythereof may sometimes be deteriorated. In such a case, it isparticularly preferable to add an alkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymerto the composition of the present invention so as to achieve a goodlong-term stability.

[0037] The alkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer to be used in thecomposition of the present invention is not particularly restricted, solong as it is an alkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer usable incompositions for external use such as cosmetics. That is to say, it isrestricted neither in alkyl group nor in the degree of polymerization.For example, use may be made therefor of PEMULEN TR-2 (manufactured byBF GOODRICH).

[0038] The content of the alkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer in thecomposition of the present invention may be appropriately determined soas not to deteriorate the feeling upon use and the safety of theproduct. It is preferable that the content thereof ranges from 0.005 to5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, stillpreferably from 0.01 to 2.0% by weight based on the total weight of thecomposition. It is not preferable that the content of the alkylacrylate.methacrylate copolymer is less than 0.005% by weight based onthe total weight of the composition, since the effect of improving thelong-term stability cannot be satisfactorily achieved in this case. Itis also unfavorable that the content thereof exceeds 5.0% by weight,since the feel of the composition in using is deteriorated in this case.

[0039] In addition to the components as described above, the compositionof the present invention may comprise components commonly employed inthe art, so long as the effects of the present invention are notworsened thereby. Examples of such components are as follows:

[0040] glycols such as propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol and glycols having higher molecular weight;

[0041] glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol and polyglycerols having highermolecular weight;

[0042] sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, xylitol anderythritol;

[0043] saccharides such as fructose, glucose, galactose, maltose,lactose and trehalose;

[0044] inorganic powders such as talc, kaolin, mica, sericite,muscovite, phlogopite, synthetic mica, lepidolite, biotite, lithia mica,vermiculite, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, aluminum silicate,barium silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, strontiumsilicate, metal tungstate, magnesium, silica, zeolite, barium sulfate,calcined calcium sulfate (calcined gypsum), calcium phosphate, fluorineapatite, hydroxyapatite, ceramic powder, metal soaps (zinc myristate,calcium palmitate, aluminum stearate, etc.) and boron nitride;

[0045] organic powders such as polyamide resin powder (nylon powder),polyethylene powder, poly(methyl methacrylate) powder, polystyrenepowder, styrene/acrylic acid copolymer powder, benzoguanamine resinpowder, poly(ethylene tetrafluoride) powder and cellulose powder;

[0046] inorganic white pigments such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide;inorganic red pigments such as iron oxide (red iron oxide) and irontitanate; inorganic brown pigments such as γ-iron oxide; inorganicyellow pigments such as yellow iron oxide and yellow ocher; inorganicblack pigments such as black iron oxide, carbon black andlow-dimensional titanium oxide; inorganic purple pigments such asmanganese violet and cobalt violet; inorganic green pigments such aschromium oxide, chromium hydroxide and cobalt titanate; inorganic bluepigments such as ultramarine and Prussian blue; pearl pigments such astitanium oxide-coated mica, titanium oxide-coated bismuth oxychloride,titanium oxide-coated talc, colored titanium oxide-coated mica, bismuthoxychloride and fish scale; metal powder pigments such as aluminumpowder and copper powder; organic pigments such as Red No. 201, Red No.202, Red No. 204, Red No. 205, Red No. 220, Red No. 226, Red No. 228,Red No. 405, Orange No. 203, Orange No. 204, Yellow No. 205, Yellow No.401 and Blue No. 404; organic pigments containing zirconium, barium oraluminum lakes such as Red No. 3, Red No. 104, Red No. 106, Red No. 227,Red No. 230, Red No. 401, Red No. 505, Orange No. 205, Yellow No. 4,Yellow No. .5, Yellow No. 202, Yellow No. 203, Green No. 3 and Blue No.1; natural colorants such as chlorophyll and β-carotene;

[0047] vegetable polymers such as acacia, tragacanth gum, galactan, guargum, carob gum, karaya gum, gellan gum and carrageenan; microbialpolymers such as xanthan gum, dextran, and pullulan; animal polymerssuch as collagen, casein, albumin and gelatin; starch polymers such ascarboxymethyl starch and methylhydroxypropyl starch; cellulose polymerssuch as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose sodium sulfate,hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and crystallinecellulose; alginic acid polymers such as sodium alginate and propyelneglycol alginate; vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylpyrrolidone,vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer and carboxyvinyl polymer;acrylic polymers such as sodium polyacrylate, polyethyl acrylate,polyacrylic alkanolamine, alkyl methacrylate/diemthylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, poly(2-acrylmido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)and polymethacryloyloxytrimethylammonium;

[0048] agents such as ultraviolet absorbers, chelating agents, vitamins,bactericides, anti-inflammatory agents, preservatives, plant extractsand refrigerants; and

[0049] lower alcohols such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

[0050] The composition of the present invention can be applied to theskin, hair, etc. The composition of the present invention may be invarious forms including aqueous solution systems, solubilized systems,emulsion systems, oily liquid systems, gel systems, ointment systems,aerosols, water/oil two-layered systems and water/oil/powderthree-layered systems. Although the composition of the present inventionis particularly useful as cosmetics, it is also usable aspharmaceuticals, quasi pharmaceuticals, etc. When the composition of thepresent invention is to be used as fundamental cosmetics, it may beprocessed into skin-care essences (cosmetic lotions), milky lotions,creams, gels, etc. When the composition of the present invention is tobe used as makeup cosmetics, it may be processed into foundations,eyeshadows, mascaras, cosmetic bases, etc. When the composition of thepresent invention is to be used as hair-care products, it may beprocessed into hair growth stimulants, hair styling agents, etc. Whenthe composition of the present invention is to be used as body-careproducts, it may be processed into sunscreens, suntans, after sun careproducts, hand creams, etc. When the composition of the presentinvention is to be used as pharmaceuticals or quasi pharmaceuticals, itmay be processed into various ointments, etc. However, the compositionof the present invention is not restricted to these dosage forms orproduct forms.

[0051] The present invention will be described in greater detail byreference to the following Examples, but it should be understood thatthe invention is not construed as being limited thereto.

REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1

[0052] Example of the Production of Succinoglucan

[0053] Succinoglucan was produced in accordance with a method describedin JP-B-6-74283 (the term “JP-B” as used herein means an “examinedJapanese patent publication”) Namely, fermentation was performed byusing Agrobacterium tumefaciens I-736 strain in the culture mediumhaving the composition as will be specified hereinafter.

[0054] More particularly speaking, the culture medium was inoculatedwith the Agrobacterium tumefaciens I-736 strain which was then culturedin a 20 L (15 L available) Biolaffite™ container at 28° C. underagitation at 400 rpm with the use of a Ruston™ agitator while aeratingat a rate of 825 L/h. After performing the culture under agitation for90 hours (i.e., the time required for completely or substantiallycompletely consuming sucrose), 66% by weight, based on the weight of thesucrose employed, of hetero-polysaccharides were obtained. When measuredwith a Brookfield LTV™ viscometer by using a cylindrical spindle No. 4at 30 rpm, the fermented liquor had a viscosity of 6800 Pa/s.

[0055] After heating the fermented liquor as described above at 90° C.for 3 minutes, 2 kg of succinoglucan was recovered therefrom in thefollowing manner. Namely, 2300 mL of isopropyl alcohol was added, afterheating, to the fermented liquor. Next, 150 g of sodium sulfate wasfurther added thereto to form a precipitate. Fibers formed from theprecipitate were dehydrated with 1200 mL portions of isopropyl alcoholtwice. Next, the dehydrated fibers were disintegrated under elevatedpressure and dried in an oven at 85° C. The dried matter thus obtainedwas ground to thereby give succinoglucan as a yellowish white powder.

[0056] The succinoglucan thus obtained was employed in the subsequentExamples.

[0057] Composition of Culture Medium: Component Content (wt. %) CSL(corn steep liquor) 11.0 K₂HPO₄ 4.0 MgSO₄.7H₂O 0.5 Sucrose 25.0 Purifiedwater the balance

[0058] Next, examples of the formulation of the composition of thepresent invention will be illustrated. However, it is to be understoodthat the technical scope of the present invention is not restrictedthereto.

[0059] Unless otherwise noted, contents will be given in these Examplesin % by weight based on the whole system in which the correspondingcomponents are contained.

[0060] In these Examples, the feeling upon use and the long-termstability of the composition of the present invention were evaluatedbased on the following criteria

[0061] Feeling Upon Use

[0062] Feeling upon use (spreadability at application, moist feel afterusing and refreshing feel after using) was evaluated by 20 female panelsin accordance with the following criteria.

[0063] {circle over (◯)}: evaluated as good by 16 or more panelists.

[0064] ◯: evaluated as good by 10 to 15 panelists.

[0065] Δ: evaluated as good by 6 to 9 panelists.

[0066] X: evaluated as good by 5 or less panelists.

[0067] Long-Term Stability

[0068] A temperature test was effected at 0° C., room temperature, 37°C. and 50° C. and the results were evaluated in accordance with thefollowing criteria.

[0069] {circle over (◯)}: no abnormality (separation, etc.) observed atevery test temperature.

[0070] ◯: slight abnormality (separation, etc.) observed after storingat 50° C. for 1 month.

[0071] Δ: slight abnormality (separation, etc.) observed after storingat 37° C. for 1 month.

[0072] X: abnormality (separation, etc.) observed after storing at 0° C.or room temperature for 1 month.

EXAMPLES 1 TO 7

[0073] Cream:

[0074] Table 1 summarizes the components and compositions of the creamsof Examples 1 to 7 and the result of the evaluation of the feeling uponuse and the long-term stability thereof. TABLE 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Component (wt. %) A. water-swelling clay mineral phasedeionized water 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 dipropylene glycol5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 saponite 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0(SUMECTON ™ SA mfd. by Kunimine Kogyo) B. succinoglucan phase deionizedwater 56.892 56.88 56.7 54.9 48.9 43.9 39.9 ethanol 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.05.0 5.0 methyl paraben 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 succinoglucan 0.0080.02 0.2 2.0 8.0 13.0 17.0 Result of evaluation spreadability at ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ application moist feel after ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ using refreshing feel ⊚⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ⊚ after using long-term stability Δ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Δ

[0075] Production Process

[0076] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring, thus giving acream.

[0077] As is clear from the result in Table 1, the cream obtained byusing less than 0.01% by weight of the succinoglucan was unfavorablebecause it gave a good feeling upon use but showed a poor long-termstability. When the succinoglucan content exceeded 0.1% by weight, theobtained creams were in the form of a gel and showed very excellentlong-term stability. When the succinoglucan content exceeded 15.0% byweight, the obtained cream was unfavorable since it imparted a stickyfeeling upon use and failed to give any refreshing feel after using.

[0078] As supported by the result shown in Table 1, the succinoglucancontent in the composition of the present invention preferably rangesfrom 0.01 to 15.0% by weight, still preferably from 0.1 to 10.0% byweight.

EXAMPLE 8 TO 13 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

[0079] Whitening Cream:

[0080] Table 2 summarizes the components and compositions of thewhitening creams of Examples 8 to 13 and Comparative Example 1 and theresult of the evaluation of the feeling upon use and the long-termstability thereof. TABLE 2 Comp. Ex. 8 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13Ex. 1 Component (wt. %) A. water-swelling clay mineral phase deionizedwater 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 glycerol 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.05.0 5.0 montmorillonite (KUNIPIA ™ G-4 0.008 0.02 2.0 6.0 10.0 13.0 6.0mfd. by Kunimine Kogyo) diglucoside ascorbate 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.02.0 B. succinoglucan phase deionized water 38.892 38.88 36.9 32.9 28.925.9 32.9 isopropyl alcohol 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 methyl paraben0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 succinoglucan 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 —carboxyvinyl polymer — — — — — — 1.0 Result of evaluation spreadabilityat application ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ moist feel after using ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯refreshing feel after using ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ ◯ long-term stability Δ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚⊚ X

[0081] Production Process

[0082] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring, thus giving awhitening cream.

[0083] When carboxyvinyl polymer was used as a substitute forsuccinoglucan, the obtained creams were poor in long-term stability(Example 11, Comparative Example 1).

[0084] As the result in Table 2 clearly shows, the whitening creamobtained by using less than 0.01% by weight of the water-swelling claymineral was unfavorable, since it showed a poor long-term stability.When the water-swelling clay mineral content exceeded 15.0% by weight,it became difficult to produce a whitening cream having thecharacteristics of the present invention.

[0085] As supported by the result shown in Table 2, the water-swellingclay mineral content in the composition of the present inventionpreferably ranges from 0.01 to 15.0% by weight, still preferably from0.1 to 10.0% by weight.

EXAMPLES 14 TO 20 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2

[0086] Essence:

[0087] Table 3 summarizes the components and compositions of theessences of Examples 14 to 20 and Comparative Example 2 and the resultof the evaluation of the feeling upon use and the long-term stabilitythereof. TABLE 3 Comp. Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Ex. 17 Ex. 18 Ex. 19 Ex. 20Ex. 2 Component (wt. %) A. water-swelling clay mineral phase deionizedwater 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 trehalose 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.01.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 arginine hydrochloride 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0saponite (SUMECTON ™ SA mfd. 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 by KunimineKogyo) B. succinoglucan phase deionized water 67.57 69.5 69.25 67.6541.65 32.65 27.65 41.65 ethanol 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 methylparaben 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 succinoglucan 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.20.2 0.2 0.2 — xanthan gum — — — — — — — 0.2 C. oily component phase1,3-butylene glycol 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 POE (60 mol)hardened castor oil 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 squalane 0.08 0.150.4 2.0 28.0 37.0 42.0 28.0 tocopherol acetate 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.050.05 0.05 0.05 Result of evaluation spreadability at application ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Δ moist feel after using ◯ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Δ refreshing feel afterusing ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Δ X long-term stability ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯

[0088] Production Process

[0089] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring. Further, the oilycomponent phase C, which had been prepared in another pot by using ahomomixer, was added thereto and the resulting mixture was homogeneouslymixed by stirring, thus giving an essence.

[0090] When xanthan gum was used as a substitute for succinoglucan, theobtained essences were poor in the feeling upon use, in particular, therefreshing feel after using (Example 18, Comparative Example 2).

[0091] As the result given in Table 3 clearly show, the spreadability atapplication and the moist feel after using of the composition of thepresent invention were improved by adding squalane (i.e., an oilycomponent) thereto. When the squalane content was less than 0.1% byweight, however, the spreadability at application and the moist feelafter using of the composition could not be sufficiently improved. Onthe other hand, it is unfavorable that the squalane content exceeded40.0% by weight, since the refreshing feel after using was lost and thefeeling upon use was worsened in this case.

[0092] As supported by the result given in Table 3, the oily componentcontent in the composition of the present invention preferably rangesfrom 0.1 to 40.0% by weight, still preferably from 0.3 to 30.0% byweight.

EXAMPLES 21 TO 25

[0093] Cosmetic Base:

[0094] Table 4 summarizes the components and compositions of thecosmetic bases of Examples 21 to 25 and the result of the evaluation ofthe feeling upon use and the long-term stability thereof. TABLE 4 Ex. 21Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Ex. 25 Component (wt. %) A. water-swelling claymineral phase deionized water 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 xylitol 1.0 1.01.0 1.0 1.0 Saxifraga stolonifera 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 extract saponite(VEEGUM ™ 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 S-6198 mfd. by RT. Vanderbilt) citric acid0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 sodium citrate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 B. succinoglucanphase deionized water 57.16 57.15 57.06 56.16 54.16 ethanol 15.0 15.015.0 15.0 15.0 methyl paraben 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 succinoglucan 0.5 0.50.5 0.5 0.5 trisodium edetate 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 C. oily componentphase POE (60 mol) hardened — 0.01 0.1 1.0 3.0 castor oil dimethylpolysiloxane 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 (6cs) decamethyl 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0cyclopentasiloxane vitamin A palmitate 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Resultof evaluation spreadability at ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ application moist feel afterusing ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ refreshing feel after using ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ long-termstability Δ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚

[0095] Production Process

[0096] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring. Further, the oilycomponent phase C, which had been-prepared in another pot by using ahomomixer, was added thereto and the resulting mixture was homogeneouslymixed by stirring, thus giving a cosmetic base.

[0097] As the result given in Table 4 clearly show, the long-termstability of the cosmetic bases was somewhat deteriorated by usingdimethyl polysiloxane (6 cs) and decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane (i.e.,oily components) in addition to the water-swelling clay mineral andsuccinoglucan. However, cosmetic bases having excellent long-termstability could be obtained by further adding 0.01% by weight or more,in particular, 0.1% by weight or more, of a surfactant.

EXAMPLES 26 to 29

[0098] Cosmetic Base:

[0099] Table 5 summarizes the components and compositions of thecosmetic bases of Example 21 and Examples 26 to 29 and the result of theevaluation of the feeling upon use and the long-term stability thereof.TABLE 5 Ex. 21 Ex. 26 Ex. 27 Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Component (wt. %) A.water-swelling clay mineral phase deionized water 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.015.0 xylitol 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Saxifraga stolonifera 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.01.0 extract saponite (VEEGUM ™ 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 S-6198 mfd. by RT.Vanderbilt) citric acid 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 sodium citrate 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 0.1 B. succinoglucan phase deionized water 57.16 57.155 57.11 56.6655.16 ethanol 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 methyl paraben 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 succinoglucan 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 trisodium edetate 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 C. oily component phase alkyl — 0.005 0.05 0.5 2.0 acrylate ·methacrylate copolymer (PEMULEN ™ TR-2 mfd. by BF Goodrich) dimethylpolysiloxane 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 (6cs) decamethyl 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0cyclopentasiloxane vitamin A palmitate 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Resultof evaluation spreadability at ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ application moist feel afterusing ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ refreshing feel after using ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ long-termstability Δ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚

[0100] Production Process

[0101] The cosmetic bases of Examples 26 to 29 were produced as inExamples 21 to 25.

[0102] As the result given Table 5 clearly show, cosmetic bases givingan excellent moist feel after using and having a high long-termstability could be obtained by using 0.005% by weight or more, inparticular, 0.05 % by weight or more, of the alkyl acrylate.methacrylatecopolymer in addition to the water-swelling clay mineral, succinoglucanand the oily component.

EXAMPLE 30

[0103] Foundation:

[0104] Table 6 shows the components and composition of the foundation ofExample 30 and the result of the evaluation of the feeling upon use andthe long-term stability thereof. TABLE 6 Example 30 (wt. %) Component A.water-swelling clay mineral phase deionized water 25.0 erythritol 1.0polyethylene glycol 1000 3.0 hectorite 3.0 (LOPONITE ™ mfd. by LaporteIndustries) lactic acid 0.1 sodium lactate 0.05 B. succinoglucan phasedeionized water 24.55 ethanol 3.0 methyl paraben 0.1 phenoxyethanol 0.2succinoglucan 0.4 C. oily component phase POE (20 mol) behenyl ether 0.5macadamia nut oil 2.0 decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane 2.0 D. powder phasedeionized water 20.0 sodium metaphosphate 0.03 titanium dioxide 4.0 mica10.0 iron oxide (red) 0.02 iron oxide (yellow) 0.04 iron oxide (black)0.01 silicone powder 1.0 Result of evaluation spreadability atapplication ⊚ moist feel after using ⊚ refreshing feel after using ⊚long-term stability ⊚

[0105] Production Process

[0106] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring. Further, the oilycomponent phase C, which had been prepared in another pot by using ahomomixer, was added thereto and the resulting mixture was homogeneouslymixed by stirring. Furthermore, the powder phase D, which had beenprepared in another pot by using a homomixer, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring, thus giving afoundation.

[0107] As the result given in Table 6 clearly show, the foundationaccording to the present invention was excellent in the feeling upon useand the long-term stability.

EXAMPLE 31

[0108] Sunscreen:

[0109] Table 7 shows the components and composition of the sunscreen ofExample 31 and the result of the evaluation of the feeling upon use andthe long-term stability thereof. TABLE 7 Example 31 (wt. %) Component A.water-swelling clay mineral phase deionized water 20.0 dipropyleneglycol 3.0 montmorillonite 2.0 (KUNIPIA ™ mfd. by Kunimine Kogyo) B.succinoglucan phase deionized water 22.17 ethanol 10.0 methyl paraben0.1 phenoxyethanol 0.2 succinoglucan 0.5 C. oily component phase POE (30mol) stearate 0.5 calcium stearate 0.5 methyl polysiloxane with highdegree 2.0 of polymerization (2)-methyl polysiloxane solution (20%)decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane 2.0 octamethoxy cinnamate 5.0 D. powderphase deionized water 20.0 sodium metaphosphate 0.03 titanium dioxide6.0 zinc oxide 5.0 silica 1.0 Result of evaluation spreadability atapplication ⊚ moist feel after using ⊚ refreshing feel after using ⊚long-term stability ⊚

[0110] Production Process

[0111] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring. Further, the oilycomponent phase C, which had been prepared in another pot by using ahomomixer, was added thereto and the resulting mixture was homogeneouslymixed by stirring. Furthermore, the powder phase D, which had beenprepared in another pot by using a homomixer, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring, thus giving asunscreen.

[0112] The result given in Table 7 shows that the sunscreen according tothe present invention is excellent in the feeling upon use and thelong-term stability.

EXAMPLE 32

[0113] Milky Lotion:

[0114] Table 8 shows the components and composition of the milky lotionof Example 32 and the result of the evaluation of the feeling upon useand the long-term stability thereof. TABLE 8 Example 32 (wt. %)Component A. water-swelling clay mineral phase deionized water 15.01,3-butylene glycol 3.0 glycerol 5.0 montmorillonite 0.5 (KUNIPIA ™ mfd.by Kunimine Kogyo) B. succinoglucan phase deionized water 61.45 ethanol5.0 methyl paraben 0.1 phenoxy ethanol 2.0 succinoglucan 0.2 xanthan gum0.4 trisodium edetate 0.05 0.05 C. oily component phase alkyl acrylate ·methacrylate copolymer 0.1 (PEMULEN ™TR-2, mfd. by BF Goodrich) dimethylpolysiloxane (6cs) 2.0 jojoba oil 5.0 octamethoxy cinnamate 0.1 perfume0.05 Result of evaluation spreadability at application ⊚ moist feelafter using ⊚ refreshing feel after using ⊚ long-term stability ⊚

[0115] Production Process

[0116] The water-swelling clay mineral phase A was homogeneously swollenin a homodisperser. Then the succinoglucan phase B, which had beendissolved by stirring in another pot, was added thereto and theresulting mixture was homogeneously mixed by stirring. Further, the oilycomponent phase C, which had been prepared in another pot by using ahomomixer, was added thereto and the resulting mixture was homogeneouslymixed by stirring, thus giving a milky lotion.

[0117] As the results given in Table 8 clearly show, the milky lotionaccording to the present invention is excellent in the feeling upon useand the long-term stability. The present invention provides acomposition for external use which is useful particularly as cosmeticsgiving a novel feeling upon use, satisfying the diversified requirementsby consumers and being excellent in long-term stability.

[0118] While the invention has been described in detail and withreference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0119] This application is based on Japanese patent applications No.Hei.-10-284784 filed on Sep. 21, 1998 and No. Hei.-11-221118 filed onAug. 4, 1999, incorporated herein by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for external use, which comprisessuccinoglucan and a water-swelling clay mineral.
 2. The composition forexternal use as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises an oilycomponent.
 3. The composition for external use as claimed in claim 1,which further comprises at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of a surfactant, and an alkyl acrylate.methacrylatecopolymer.
 4. The composition for external use as claimed in claim 1,wherein the amount of succinoglucan is from 0.01 to 15.0% by weightbased on the total weight of the composition.
 5. The composition forexternal use as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of succinoglucanis from 0.1 to 10.0% by weight based on the total weight of thecomposition.
 6. The composition for external use as claimed in claim 1,wherein the amount of the water-swelling clay mineral is from 0.01 to15.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
 7. Thecomposition for external use as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amountof the water-swelling clay mineral is from 0.1 to 10.0% by weight basedon the total weight of the composition.
 8. The composition for externaluse as claimed in claim 2, wherein the amount of the oily component isfrom 0.1 to 40.0% by weight based on the total weight of thecomposition.
 9. The composition for external use as claimed in claim 3,wherein the amount of the surfactant is from 0.01 to 5.0% by weightbased on the total weight of the composition.
 10. The composition forexternal use as claimed in claim 3, wherein the total amount of thealkyl acrylate.methacrylate copolymer is from 0.005 to 5.0% by weightbased on the total weight of the composition.
 11. The composition forexternal use as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, which is a cosmetic.